Life Principles Notes

Practical Lessons for Understanding the Word of God

An Encouraging Reminder
KEY PASSAGE: Philippians 3:17-21 | Supporting Scripture: Matthew 5 | Luke 10:20 | John 3:3, 5; 6:39; 14:3, 6; Acts 1:10-11 | Romans 10:9 | 1 Corinthians 15:6, 41-58 | Hebrews 9:27 | 1 Peter 1:3-4 | 2 Peter 3:3-4, 8 1 John 3:1-3 | Revelation 20:11-15

SUMMARY:
If you had a friend who was facing death, what would you be most concerned about?
The first thing you would want to be certain of is his relationship with Jesus Christ. And the second is whether or not you will see him again. If you understand the foundational truths of Christianity, you can know the answers to both questions. The Christian faith stands upon two vital truthsthe cross and the resurrection. This foundation not only provides eternal security, but also gives us the power to live each day in a manner worthy of the Lord. If Jesus hadnt died for the sins of mankind and been raised to life, there would be no redemption. Christians would be left confused, purposeless, and wondering how to live. But because Jesus died on the cross, was resurrected, and ascended to heaven to sit at the Fathers right hand, we have direction for this life and hope for eternity.

Christians we, too, have a citizenship with special privileges and protections, but it is not of this world. It is special because:
n

We are spiritually born into it. Some people think they can earn their way into heaven, but good works will never get us there. Jesus claimed there is only one way to come to the Fatherand that is through Him (John 14:6). He clarified this truth when He told Nicodemus, Unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God (John 3:3). We are recorded in the Lambs Book of Life. There is no confusion in heaven about our identity and citizenship. Although we might share a name with many people on earth, God knows each of us personally. At the moment of salvation, our names are inscribed in His Booknever to be erased. This is vital because it entitles us to life in heaven. At Gods final judgment, anyone whose name is not found written there will be thrown into the lake of fire (Rev. 20:11-15). We have an inheritance in heaven. But this isnt like an earthly legacy that can be lost or stolen. This inheritance is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you (1 Pet. 1:4). Although our inheritance is in heaven, there are three things we can do to build it up while we are still here on earth. We can:

Scriptural Principles:
The apostle Paul tells us how we should think about ourselves in light of Christs death and resurrection.
The city of Philippi was a Roman colony, which meant its residents were automatically made citizens of the Roman Empire, and that gave them great opportunities and protection. As

Love other people Give to God Serve the Lord

LIFEPRINCIPLESNOTES | LP120408

Even though so many blessings await us in heaven, the Lord has left us here on earth to live His life in and through us. His indwelling presence gives us the ability to love otherseven the unlovable. Hes also given us capabilities and gifts with which to serve Him.

We eagerly wait for Christs return.

The knowledge that we are citizens of heaven should cause us to long for our Saviors return (Phil. 3:20). Yet many Christians rarely think about Christs promised reappearance. Its easy to become so preoccupied with this life that we forget all about the next, but one day, Jesus will come for us in the rapture. Just imagine what it will be like when the heavens suddenly open and we see Jesus coming to take us home. Believers should continually live with this anticipation because God always keeps His promisesand this one is no exception. Although many will mock the idea, when the appointed time for Christs return arrives, nothing can stop it. An attitude of eager expectation should never hinder us from actively making the most of our time on earth however. In fact, it should motivate us to love and serve others by giving them the message of salvation in Christ. The best way to determine if were living as God desires is to examine ourselves and determine what dominates our thoughts and how we spend our time. Where does Jesus fit into our thinking? How much time are we spending with Him? Are we only concerned with our own affairs, or are we considering how God wants us to serve Him? Sometimes our minds can be so consumed with our responsibilities and pursuits that the Lord has no place in our daily lives.

trying to maintain and beautify our earthly bodies, nothing we can do compares with what God will accomplish. By His unlimited power, well become absolutely perfect men and women. Although we dont know exactly what well look like, well be like Christnot in specific physical characteristics, but in character (1 John 3:2). We will become the people God ultimately intended for us to be. First Corinthians 15:41-57 is the scriptural passage that most clearly describes what will happen to us when Christ returns. The bodies we have now are earthy, natural, weak, and mortal. But the Lord will transform them into heavenly bodies that are strong, glorious, immortal, and imperishable. We will have no limitations and will never die.

ConclusioN:
After describing the glories that await us, Pauls final admonition shows how we should respond: Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord (1 Cor. 15:58). Followers of Christ show devotion to Him through their actions by serving the Lord. The most effective ways to serve God are letting Christ show His life through us and by sharing the gospel with people who dont know Him. What are some ways you can share the love of Christ to others you come in contact with this week? Just as Jesus sent His disciples out as messengers of the truth that transforms, so He sends us out to love, give, and serve in His name so others can hear about the Savior and become fellow citizens of heaven.
To purchase this message on CD or DVD, please visit store.intouch.org or call 800-789-1473.

Christ will transform our bodies.

When Jesus returns, our lowly bodies will be transformed into glorious ones (Phil. 3:21). No matter how much time and money we spend

intouch.org
Copyright 2013 by In Touch Ministries, Inc. All rights reserved. In Touch grants permission to print for personal use only. LIFEPRINCIPLESNOTES | LP120408